Two Canadian victories at JETS 2021

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Two Canadian projects scored wins at the fifth edition of the Junior Entertainment Talent Slate (JETS for short), an annual pitching and networking initiative in which six Canadian projects were selected to take part this year! It all happened online, February 16 and 17, 2021.

In the name of coproduction, the JETS initiative connects filmmakers from around the world (currently developing their first, second, or third features) with producers, sales agents, distributors, and financiers from Germany, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, the U.K. and U.S.

Meet our 2021 Canadian JETS winners:

Greg Jeﬀs’s Section Z (Produced by Kevin Wallis) shares first place honours with a total of six winning teams from around the world.

JETS allowed us to get valuable sales and industry feedback on Section Z. Winning the competition was a strong indicator that there’s a real appetite for a strong comedy in the current market,” said the filmmaker and producer.

And sharing second place with five winning teams is Leah Rifkin’s Salem’s Diary (produced by Sonja Verpoort).

“The experience of being a part of JETS initiative was incredible,” said director Leah Rifkin. “Aside from fostering connections with potential business and collaboration partners whether they be producers, buyers, or distributors, it’s been a thrill to meet so many talented filmmakers from around the world. Meeting some of the teams from South Africa was especially exciting for me because my entire family is from there. Being a part of this incredible event has given Sonja and I a definite push in the right direction.”

‘‘I was blown away by the JETS event,” said producer Sonja Verpoort. “Everything was meticulously organized and ran impressively smoothly, despite the unexpected pivot to taking place virtually. We learned a lot about coproductions and international funding, got to connect with some incredible filmmakers from around the world, and were given the opportunity to pitch our projects in front of a supportive and professional audience.

I feel more empowered than ever to make our film a success!” said producer Sonja Verpoort.

JETS usually takes part alongside the European Film Market and the Berlinale, and this year’s initiative was organized by WEP Productions and JETS Filmverleih & Vertrieb, in collaboration with Telefilm Canada, nordmedia, NFVF South Africa, HessenFilm & Medien, Screen Ireland, and Filminvest Norway.